Belt tensioner and method

ABSTRACT

The present invention comprises a tool for easily adjusting the tension of a “V-belt” or other type of belt that transmits rotational energy from a driver pulley to a driven pulley such as an automotive generator. The present invention comprises a threaded member coupled to a ring. The ring is adapted to engage a washer of a bolt-washer combination which is used to movably secure a generator or other device to a bracket, frame or other fixed structure. The present invention also comprises a saddle adapted to engage a portion of the bracket or frame. The threaded member passes through an opening formed in the saddle, and a rotatable member threadably engaged with the threaded member is rotated to apply a force to the bracket or frame, thereby moving the generator or other belt-driven device in a desired direction relative to the bracket or frame to adjust the tension level on the belt.

RELATED APPLICATION

This patent application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication Ser. No. 60/509,826, entitled “Belt Tensioner and Method,”filed Oct. 9, 2003, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein byreference.

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to the field of automotive tools and,more particularly, to a belt tensioner and method.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Adjusting the level of tension in a belt, such as an automobile belt, isgenerally accomplished by using a leverage bar or some other type ofdevice to force a generator or other belt-driven device in a desireddirection to increase the tension level in a corresponding belt. Whileforcing the belt-driven device in a desired direction, a clamping boltor other type of fastener is tightened. The tension on the belt is thenchecked and the procedure repeated until a desired or recommended levelof tension in the belt is obtained. Normally, the procedure must berepeated several times to obtain the desired or recommended tensionlevel. Additionally, at least two people may be required to perform theprocedure.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention comprises a tool for easily adjusting the tensionof a “V-belt” or other type of belt that transmits rotational energyfrom a driver pulley to a driven pulley such as an automotive generator.The present invention comprises a threaded member coupled to a ring. Thering is adapted to engage a washer of a bolt-washer combination which isused to movably secure a generator or other device to a bracket, frameor other fixed structure. The present invention also comprises a saddleadapted to engage a portion of the bracket or frame. The threaded memberpasses through an opening formed in the saddle, and a member, threadablyengaged with the threaded member, is rotated to apply a force to thebracket or frame, thereby moving the generator or other belt-drivendevice in a desired direction relative to the bracket or frame to adjustthe tension level on the belt.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1-3 are drawings illustrating a belt tensioner in accordance withone embodiment of the present invention; and

FIGS. 4A and 4B are drawings illustrating alternate embodiments of atightening member of the belt tensioner illustrated in FIGS. 1-3;

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention comprises a tool for easily adjusting the tensionof a “V-belt” that transmits rotational energy from a driver pulley to adriven pulley such as an automotive generator. The present inventionalleviates using a leverage bar or other device for adjusting a belt toa desired or recommended level of tension.

According to the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1-3, a belt tensioner 8of the present invention comprises an internally threaded rotatablemember 34, a thrust washer 36, a saddle 38 having oppositely disposedslots 40, and a threaded member 30 coupled to a ring 32. Threaded member30 extends through an opening 42 formed in saddle 38. In FIGS. 1-3, thebelt tensioner 8 is illustrated as being used in connection withadjusting the tension of a belt 14 coupled to a pulley 12 of a generator10. In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1-3, threaded member 30comprises a cylindrical rod; however, it should be understood that othertypes of members may be used (e.g., all or a portion thereof beingnon-cylindrical). Additionally, it should be understood that member 30may be formed having threads partially or entirely along its length.Further, in the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1-3, member 34 comprisesa knob; however, it should be understood that any device or elementadapted to engage and rotate in cooperation with threads disposed onthreaded member 30 may be used.

In operation, bolts securing generator 10 in a fixed position areloosened except for a clamping bolt 24. The saddle 38 is positionedrelative to a support structure, such as an generator bracket 20, suchthat slots 40 engage the top edge of generator bracket 20. Ring 32 ispositioned to engage a securing element, such as a lock-washer 26 whichis used in combination with bolt 24 to secure generator 10 to thesupport structure. Thrust washer 36 is positioned between member 34 andsaddle 38. Member 34 is then rotated clockwise a sufficient amount toprevent generator 10 from moving freely while clamping bolt 24 isloosened. Clamping bolt 24 may then be loosened slightly to allowmovement of generator 10. Member 34 may then be rotated clockwise toincrease belt 14 tension or rotated counter-clockwise to decrease belt14 tension to a desired or recommended level of tension. After a desiredor recommended level of tension on belt 14 has been obtained, clampingbolt 24 may be re-tightened to a desired or recommended setting. Theremaining generator 10 bolts may also then be re-tightened to desired orrecommended settings. Member 34 may then be rotated counter-clockwiseand tensioner 8 removed from generator bracket 20. If desired, the levelof tension on belt 14 may be rechecked.

FIGS. 4A and 4B are drawings illustrating alternate embodiments ofmember 34. In FIG. 4A, member 34 comprises an internally threadedpassage 44 for engaging threads of member 30. In the embodimentillustrated in FIG. 4B, member 34 comprises an extending encapsulatednut 35 for engaging corresponding threads of member 30. Nut 35 may alsobe used as a means for engaging a torque wrench or other type of devicewith member 34 for measuring or otherwise correlating the level oftension in a belt to the amount of torque applied to member 34.

1. A belt tensioner, comprising: a threaded member; a saddle having an opening adapted to receive the threaded member, the saddle adapted to engage a portion of a support structure; a ring coupled to the threaded member and adapted to engage a securing element used to secure a belt-driven device to the support structure; and a rotatable member threadably engaged with the threaded member, rotation of the rotatable member relative to the threaded member applying a force to the support structure and the belt-driven device to move the belt-driven device relative to the support structure.
 2. The belt tensioner of claim 1, wherein the saddle comprises oppositely disposed slots for engaging the support structure.
 3. The belt tensioner of claim 1, wherein the threaded member comprises a cylindrical threaded member.
 4. The belt tensioner of claim 1, wherein the ring is adapted to cooperate with a bolt used to secure the belt-driven device to the support structure.
 5. The belt tensioner of claim 1, wherein the rotatable member comprises a knob.
 6. The belt tensioner of claim 1, wherein the rotatable member comprises an internally threaded knob.
 7. The belt tensioner of claim 1, wherein the saddle comprises a slot for engaging the support structure.
 8. A belt tensioner, comprising: a threaded means; a first means having an opening for receiving the threaded means, the first means adapted to engage a portion of a support structure; a second means coupled to the threaded means for engaging a securing element used to secure a belt-driven device to the support structure; and a third means threadably engaged with the threaded means, rotation of the third means relative to the threaded means causing a force to be applied to the support structure and the belt-driven device to move the belt-driven device relative to the support structure.
 9. The belt tensioner of claim 8, wherein the threaded means comprises a cylindrical threaded means.
 10. The belt tensioner of claim 8, wherein the first means comprises a slot for engaging the support structure.
 11. The belt tensioner of claim 8, wherein the second means is adapted to cooperate with a bolt used to secure the belt-driven device to the support structure.
 12. The belt tensioner of claim 8, wherein the third means comprises means for receiving engagement of a torque-applying device. 